Custom PCB

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an integral part of any electronic device. Without one, the device would simply not function the way it was intended to. The PCB is what makes the electronic device work.

Many PCBs exist to serve a particular function. Some of the PCBs available include:

Single-layer board

Double-sided board

Multilayer board

Heavy copper circuit board

Flexible board

Rigid-flex board

The device you’re building a PCB for will help you decide which board to make. By working alongside your PCB manufacturer, you can build the perfect PCB to precisely fit your electronic device.

Custom PCBs

PCB Materials

To make a custom PCB, you need to know all the materials needed and what purpose they serve. The following are some of the common circuit board materials you would need:

Copper: this is the foundation of the board which is known as the substrate. You may have one or two layers of copper, depending on the board. We use the most high-quality copper to create heavy copper circuit boards.

Metal: when building a board, you want to have a metal backed copper board. We use aluminum oxide epoxy which gives it a higher heat transfer rate compared to a prepreg style back. Items that require a tremendous amount of heat transfer would work best with metal.

Aluminum: for the most effective thermal dissipation, aluminum PCBs are the best. It contains a thermal clad layer which efficiently disperses heat, all while cooling the components. You’ll have a more effective performance from your PCB with aluminum.

PCB Thicknesses

The thickness of the board will depend on the device. The smaller the device, the less space you have to work with which means you can’t have too thick of a board. Here are the options you have for your PCB thickness:

Single, Double-Side, or Multilayer Board: these three are your primary methods of making a PCB. A single layer board is for when the thickness is not an issue. It is cost-friendly and low in density.

○ Double-sided boards are for when space is an issue. You can use more surface space for all of the components.

○ A multilayer board is for more complex designs. The more layers you have, the better the connection and function.

Rigid Board: a rigid board is needed when you cannot have any bending in the board. It contains fibreglass which keeps the board rigid.

Flexible Board: having the flexibility in a board is sometimes a necessity, as it would be in medicine and aerospace. For a tight and elaborately shaped design, you would need a flexible board.

○ You do have the option of rigid-flex PCBs. You have both characteristics from a rigid board and of a flexible board. You would have a rigid PCB attached to a flexible PCB.

PCB Design

There are rules when building a PCB. These rules help keep your board working correctly without any issues during the manufacturing process. Candor has many pcb design limits that we can build within. It’s important to remember the following rules:

Width and Spacing: you should follow the x/y rules, which means the minimum trace spacing.

Thickness and Size: the size and thickness of the board should match the design of a particular product.

The design should also include certain specifications, including the colour and finish of the board. The solder mask creates the colour of the board. We use the solder mask according to the colour you want:

Green: most common colour for a PCB. Clear visibility of the components.